Mythomania/Pseudologia phantastica
2018
Erinnerung, Andenken, Gedächtnis are three German expressions for memory. In German, even more than in three respective Czech translations (vzpomínka, památka, paměť), these words express different types of temporal aspects. Gedächtnis (“the memory”) is perceived as an overall set of memories, long-term and short-term ones. Erinnerung (“a memory”) refers to a certain limited period of time and can also mean in memory of something/someone. Andenken is closer to the expressions “remembrance” or “souvenir”, a memory in the form of an object.
Operating with different timelines is an aspect that is always present in Miroslav Hašek’s work. Revision of the past through the present takes place both in terms of the subject matter and, for example, in terms of confrontation of classical, historical technologies with the latest technology trends. The exhibited objects thus gently refer to remembering and forgetting – in our personal, historical, and social memory. The choice of the German language and the font (Jane Austen) refers to the historical layers of the author's (and our) culture. The object is made with modern technology (3D printing), then stored in a mineral spring bath, where its surface is petrified – turned to stone. This process is used to produce souvenirs in Karlovy Vary (Carlbad) and its aesthetic value stems from colourful sediments of the thermal spring salts and minerals on the surface of the object. Here it’s becoming the fundamental surface on which the artist carries out his intentions – to fix the present through past layers and play with its meanings.
Mgr. Eva Mráziková, Ph.D.
KDTU FUD UJEP
(foto: Jiří Dvořák, Lucie Hyšková)